Tips, tricks & what to expect…

your grad session guide

Graduation is a major milestone and your session should feel just as exciting. This guide covers everything you need to know to show up confident, prepared, and ready to celebrate.

  • A young woman in a white dress standing on grass and celebrating her graduation outdoors at sunset, holding her cap in the air near a university sign.

    1. What to Expect

    Most grad sessions are 1 hour and take place during golden hour; that dreamy, soft light right before sunset. I shoot on campus, at beaches, open fields, and in front of historic architecture around Southern California. Expect a laid-back session with a mix of classic portraits and fun, candid moments. I’ll guide you through natural posing and help you feel relaxed in front of the camera. We’ll move through a few key locations to give your gallery variety.

  • A young woman in a white dress celebrating her graduation, holding a black diploma cover, standing on a stone corridor with columns and brick archways, wearing a red graduation stole with gold lettering and a gold emblem, and nude high heels.

    2. Don’t Be Late

    Timing is everything when we’re chasing golden hour. If you're late, we’ll have to start later — but the sun won’t wait for us. That means we could lose light quickly and have less time to shoot. I recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early so you have time to park, touch up, and feel calm and ready before we begin.

  • A young woman wearing a black graduation cap and gown with a teal and white sash that reads "Class of 2023" and "BSN". She is standing on steps inside a grand building, smiling at the camera.

    3. What to Wear

    The goal is to feel like the best version of you. Your outfit should photograph well and make you feel confident.

    - Black or white both look beautiful on camera and provide strong contrast based on your skin tone.

    - Neutrals (like beige, cream, olive, brown, or soft grey) are always flattering in golden hour light.

    - Avoid busy patterns, neons, or trendy logos that may not age well.

    - If your package includes an outfit change, bring a second outfit that’s simple and flattering — like a dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set

    - Wear comfy shoes for walking between locations (you can change into heels for the photos).

  • A young woman in graduation gown and cap standing outside a building with arched windows, holding her cap, on a campus with steps and trees in the background.

    4. What to Bring

    These small items will help you feel more prepared:

    - Cap and gown

    - Hairbrush/comb

    - Lip gloss, powder, or blotting paper for makeup touchups

    - Water

    - Comfortable walking shoes

    - Large tote/bag to carry your things

    Optional: one friend or family member to help carry your items — I recommend keeping it minimal for the most relaxed experience!

  • A young woman celebrating graduation at Chapman University, standing in an outdoor area with palm trees, holding a diploma, and confetti falling around her.

    5. Props I Recommend

    These are totally optional, but can be a fun way to celebrate:

    1. Champagne Bottle (college grads only)
    It doesn’t have to be expensive — just something easy to pop for a fun photo.

    2. Biodegradable Confetti Poppers
    A festive (and eco-friendly) way to celebrate. You can order them here:
    Biodegradable Confetti Poppers on Amazon 

  • A young woman with long wavy dark hair wearing a white dress with lace trim, smiling slightly, standing in front of a white lattice door, with a red sash bearing Greek letters and the phrase Eta Upsilon.

    6. Final Tips

    - Steam or iron your gown, sash, and outfit before the session.

    - Eat beforehand so you feel energized.

    - Just be yourself! We’ll have fun with it, and you’ll walk away with beautiful images to celebrate this moment.

i’ll see you soon

I can’t wait to celebrate with you and create something special. If you have any last-minute questions before your session, feel free to reach out, I’m here to help!

A young woman in a white dress celebrates graduation on the campus of USC, wearing a red stole with the words 'USC Marshall,' 'Class of 2025,' and 'Magna Cum Laude,' holding a black graduation cap, standing outdoors in front of a historic university
A young woman celebrating graduation outdoors, wearing a black dress, a red sash that reads "CHEER MAN" and "Class of 2024," a red pom-pom in her left hand, and a decorative red headpiece. She is smiling with her right hand behind her head, standing
Young woman in a cap and gown with a teal stole standing on steps inside a historic building, celebrating graduation.
Graduation cap being thrown in the air by a young man in graduation gown outside a building with large windows and red brick walls, celebrating graduation.
A woman in a white dress poses with one leg bent and a black graduation stole in front of Chapman University campus with green lawn and large white building in the background during sunny weather.
Happy young woman in a beige dress and high heels holding a graduation cap, wearing a teal sash with 'Class of 2024' and standing outdoors in front of a historic white building with greenery.
A young woman in a white dress and high heels smiling and making a peace sign at her graduation ceremony, standing outdoors near a bronze statue.
A woman in graduation attire standing on steps outside a university building during sunset, holding a diploma, wearing red high heels.
A young woman in a white dress with a graduation sash, holding a black graduation cap, standing outdoors at sunset, celebrating her graduation.
Young woman in white dress and high heels holding her graduation cap, wearing a teal and white graduation stole that reads 'Class of 2023, BSN'. She is standing outdoors near a railing with greenery, smiling after graduation.
A young woman in a white dress and high heels standing outside at sunset in front of the Chapman University entrance arch, celebrating her graduation with a red sash draped over her shoulder.
A woman in graduation gown and stole from USC drinking champagne in front of a fountain on campus.

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Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands, showing wedding rings and jewelry in a black-and-white photo.
Two hands are intertwined against a cloudy sky. One hand wears an engagement ring and a wedding band.
A black-and-white photo of a man and woman standing on separate stone platforms with a narrow stream of water between them. The man is dressed in a suit and tie, the woman in a long dress. In the background, there is a reflective surface resembling c
A bride and groom sharing a kiss outdoors on their wedding day.
Close-up of a traditional Asian paper umbrella, with a pair of white ballet shoes and a fabric or cloth near it.
Close-up of a couple holding hands, the woman is partially undressed, and the man is wearing dark pants and a dark shirt, in black and white.